Palm Springs Mounted Police Search And Rescue Team Turns 60

PALM SPRINGS – It started in 1949 with Johnny Hollinger, Jim Maynor and others riding horseback up the San Jacinto Mountains to find and rescue hikers on their spare time. Since then, over 150 men and women have joined in.

“Jole Butler was very instrumental in the group,” says Doug Stevens, a member since 1981.

Like many of the current members, Stevens uses advanced equipment unavailable to the group in the 1950s. Trucks, A.T.V.’s, and helicopters have replaced their four-legged transportation.

“But the mission is still the same. We’re still out there to help those who are in need, injured or lost,” says Stevens.

The equipment is expensive but the city doesn’t pay for it. The group would hold fundraising rodeos in the past. Tow donors like the Agua Caliente Indians and local hospitals help out.

Donations paid for search and rescue vehicles including their command center worth an estimated $90,000. The city of Palm Springs helps maintain these vehicles.

Members volunteer their time and work closely with the police department. In June, the city honored the group with an award in a council meeting.

“They are the police department, they’re a big part of it. They’re one of our most active and long standing auxiliary groups we have,” says Palm Springs Police Department’s Sgt. Mitch Spike.

Four hikers have died in the past two months. Stevens knows the group will have a lot more work to do before the summer is over.

“People ask, ‘what’s the reward? Why would you do this? Why would you not pay for this?’ Because when you see someone hurt and down, it’s rewarding to help get them back to safety and back to where they need to be,” says Stevens.